EastEnders star Ricky Groves has teased a potential future return to the soap following his and Cliff Parisi’s guest appearances in today’s episode.

The actors reprised their iconic roles as Garry Hobbs and Minty Peterson for one night only, as the characters made surprise cameos at Billy and Honey’s joint stag and hen do.

Ricky was full of praise for the time he spent back in Walford, and it appears that he might be up for making a more permanent return to the East End.

“It was an absolute privilege,” he said. “It was a lovely day. It felt weird because I hadn’t been there for 14 years, so it was great to see my old buddies and to meet some of the newer cast. Only wish I was there for more.”

The pair’s flying visit brought the news that Minty was now married and Garry was living in his spare room after his relationship with Dawn didn’t work out.

Reflecting on Minty and Garry’s much-loved friendship, Ricky said: “I don’t know where they came up with that idea but we were always a double act towards the end. Garry and Minty were the Laurel and Hardy of the 2000s.”

Cliff was also pleased to reunite with his former co-star. “Ricky is great fun and he really made me laugh on the day that we were filming. It was lovely to work with him again, and Perry, and all the others including Shane. It was really nice and felt like going home,” he said.

Garry and Minty weren’t the only surprise cameos in this episode, as West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen recorded a special video message for life-long fan Billy ahead of his wedding day.

The footballer’s role in the episode made TV history, as it marks the first ever guest appearance from a current Premier League player.

Speaking about his exciting cameo, Jarrod (the future son-in-law of the BBC soap’s former star Danny Dyer) said: “It’s great to be part of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebrations and appear on the show.

“EastEnders is loved by so many people and obviously has a strong link to the East London community, so to represent West Ham United in this very special episode is a really nice moment for everyone connected with the club.”